u/PeacefulShoes

Hi All,

I am a long time lurker - thank you all for your posts and comments. I learn so much from all of you and I am sorry that everyone has had to go through so many harmful experiences.

I (single 30M) was born and raised in the church - for most of my life the church was a massive blessing and joy. I love my community, the mentors I had as a youth, and the positive social life the church provided. I unfortunately had a really unhealthy, negative experience with a YSA bishop who harmed my health and belief in the church. My testimony had started to weaken after my mission, but I was able to hold my shelf together due to the church being such a positive experience within my life. However, once it started to be a negative, harmful experience - that was the last straw and ultimately broke the remaining shelf I had left.

I am now thinking about leaving the church, but I honestly deal with so much fear (what if it is true, losing support, etc.). But part of me wonders if I should be grateful, because I am able to leave as young as I am, but I still really struggle.

Could I ask you all - how is your life after having left? Are you grateful that you did?

Hi All,

I am very new in this journey and just thought I would ask - Would anyone be willing to share their experiences within Christianity after leaving the church?

How has it been? Has it been more positive? Beautiful? Would love to hear all of your thoughts.

Thank you 🙏

Just wish to tell everyone I am grateful for you. If you had a hard day or hard week - I’m sorry. It’s been hard for me too - keep going. We need people in our lives and I wish I had tried to find emotional supports earlier in my life - places to be vulnerable and feel safe. Find those true friends / people in your life. Find places to be safe.